Peninsula Power saw off Moreton City Excelsior 3:2 in the NPL Queensland semi-finals on Friday evening. The result keeps the hosts in second place while the visitors drop further back in third. It was a tight encounter from the first whistle, with neither side willing to yield ground.
Both sides came into the match with contrasting recent form. Power had drawn three of their last five and lost two, while Excelsior showed more volatility with wins, losses and a draw scattered through the same period. They had met earlier in the season, sharing a 2:2 draw in July, so this was a chance to settle the argument.
We had called for the hosts to take the points at 42 per cent confidence, and it came to pass. and here's the thing — Power's home resilience showed through when it mattered, even if their away form has been patchy. Excelsior started brightly but could not contain the hosts' second-half pressure.
The match swung on a few key moments rather than sustained dominance. Power worked their way into positions, and Excelsior found no answer when the visitors pushed forward. The away end never stopped, but it was not enough to turn the tide. to be fair, both teams had chances, but only one side was clinical.
By then, the hosts had built a cushion that proved decisive. Excelsior pulled one back late, but Power held on to secure the victory and move closer to the final. The result means they remain three points clear of the visitors with the semi-final stage still to play out.